Neymar said he feels physically ready for a Brazil return as Carlo Ancelotti prepares to name his World Cup squad on Monday.
The Santos forward spoke after Santos’ 3-0 defeat by Coritiba on Sunday, saying he had improved with every game and had done his “absolute best” after a long injury spell.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023 because of injuries and knee surgery that kept him out for a year.
Ancelotti has said that Neymar must be fully fit and playing well to compete for a place in the squad.
The 34-year-old said he had worked quietly at home while dealing with criticism over his fitness and recovery.
Neymar also said Ancelotti would choose Brazil’s best 26 players for the tournament, regardless of the final decision.
🤯🇧🇷 Neymar was accidentally substituted after a mix-up by the 4th official during Santos’ game. The officials refused to let him back onto the pitch.
This was his last chance to impress Carlo Ancelotti before the Brazil World Cup squad is selected.pic.twitter.com/BMm4P5h9sa
— Total Football (@TotalFootball) May 17, 2026During Sunday’s match, Neymar protested after officials wrongly substituted him in a mix-up shortly before the squad announcement.
Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C at the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19 in North America.
